Monaco left back Antonio Barreca has revealed on Instagram he has arrived at Newcastle airport as he closes in on a transfer to Newcastle United.
Amid a flurry of late-window activity at St James’ Park, the defender, 23, uploaded an image on his personal social media account, as cited by Chronicle journalist Mark Douglas, that he is in the city to put the finishing touches to what is expected to be a loan move.
From Antonio Barreca's @instagram (hat tip to @The_Looney_Toon for spotting).
Two deals very close now. pic.twitter.com/e481yygrZ3
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) January 30, 2019
This come after playmaker Miguel Almiron was pictured by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie arriving by helicopter to finalise a reported £21million move from Atlanta United.
OPINION
Newcastle are an unfathomable club. Just when rock bottom had appeared to have been hit under loathed owner Mike Ashley, the mood has turned in a remarkable 24 hours. A barely believable 2-1 triumph against Manchester City came against a backdrop of late-window shopping after Rafael Benitez had threatened to walk as manager. The Spaniard may well still to do at the end of the season, but at least he will leave behind a stronger squad than had seemed likely just a day or two ago if he does quit. Barreca’s deal is reportedly a loan costing an initial £800,000 fee with a view to a permanent deal set at an additional £7.9million in the summer. Like with the Thomas Dubravka signing in January of last year, Newcastle intend to have an extended look at what the 23-year-old is capable before going all out with a multi-million pound deal. With Paul Dummett sidelined, he could go straight into the starting XI at the weekend.